COSTA MESA : Students Neutral on Drug-Sniffing Dogs

Few students voiced strong disapproval Thursday at the Costa Mesa Police Department’s proposal to allow drug-sniffing dogs onto two high school campuses.

The vast majority of the students interviewed at Costa Mesa and Estancia high schools said they were unconcerned whether Newport--Mesa Unified School District trustees adopt the plan, unveiled this week by police.

Tabatha Puhl, 16, a sophomore at Costa Mesa High, said bringing drug-sniffing dogs onto campus would not bother her because she does not use drugs--nor do most of the students, she speculated.

Three other students interviewed at Costa Mesa High Thursday said drug use occurs, but only in small groups, and is not a serious problem.

“They have the right (to bring in drug-sniffing dogs) if they think there is probable cause,” said Kurtis Van Horn, 16, a fullback on the school football team. “But we don’t have a drug problem here.”

The school board has scheduled a discussion at its Sept. 13 meeting on the proposal to have dogs sniff student lockers for drugs.

Police gave four school trustees a demonstration of the dogs’ abilities Wednesday. School board members said many questions must be answered, including the schools’ role in the program, before random searches can be approved.

Two students, who asked to remain anonymous, said they think drug dogs on campus would be unfair unless the district or the schools forewarn them.

But Costa Mesa’s head football coach, Myron Miller, said alcohol is the “real problem” to address on campus. Miller added, however, that he was not against bringing the dogs on campus.

“I think alcohol is coming back,” Miller said. “You hear the students talking.”

Newport Harbor High School Principal Bonnie Maspero said the Newport Beach Police Department has not offered its canine services to Newport and Corona del Mar high schools. If an offer were made, the school board would have to debate the issue, she said.

Newport Police Lt. Paul Henisey said the department would consider using a dog on high school campuses only if asked by the district.